Sanctuary Health is a trusted framework agency supporting the NHS and the careers of healthcare professionals.

What does ‘framework agency’ mean?

Being a framework agency means Sanctuary has been accepted by the framework operator as a supplier to recruit staff within its terms on behalf of the NHS.

That means we operate to the strict guidelines set by each framework and work to safe recruitment practices in the best interests of both the NHS and our candidates.

Sanctuary has been appointed by the four main NHS frameworks (Crown Commercial Service, London Procurement Partnership, Healthtrust Europe and Shared Business Services).

Why use frameworks?

NHS Improvement (and previously Monitor) was set a specific objective by the Government to reduce staffing costs within the NHS. All agency staff recruited by the NHS must now be hired through a framework. The frameworks set out specific agency worker pay rates and the fees the NHS are charged based against the substantive roles of permanent staff.

Sanctuary has always operated within an ethical way and charged fair prices to our clients and offered the best rates of pay to agency staff, so we fully support their role in ensuring the NHS (and the taxpayer) gets value for money for agency staffing.

What that means to you

All agency staff recruited by the NHS must now be hired through a framework. If you are working with an agency that isn’t on a framework, your placement could be at risk. It is important you transfer to a framework agency as soon as possible.

Sanctuary has always operated as a framework agency, so we welcome the changes. It means we can offer an even greater selection of jobs with the NHS than before. It also means the NHS gets far better value from the money it spends, as agencies opting to be 'off framework' historically charge higher fees. These agencies do not need to carry out pre-employment checks or have any accountability in regards to safeguarding or the quality of the staff, so the NHS has greater protection when working with framework agencies like Sanctuary.

Sanctuary is a multi-award winning agency, having been awarded the national titles of ‘Recruitment Agency of the Year’, ‘Best Public Sector Agency’, Best Recruitment Campaign and Client Partnership’ and in May 2016 received the ‘Best Candidate Care’ award at the Recruiter Awards for Excellence.

From working with Sanctuary, you will have access to exclusive jobs that are unavailable to other agencies. Our low staff turnover means your dedicated recruitment consultant will help support your career in the long-term; they will get to know your specific requirements and preferences and work with you over many years, and not just for a single work placement.

We are also able to offer the best pay rates of any framework agency.

Do I have to become perm?

This is question we are frequently asked, but the answer is no! The NHS understands it will always need locum staff to meet the fluctuating demand for its services and to achieve best value for its staffing costs.

By working with Sanctuary as a locum, you can benefit from many other things than just a higher pay rate than permanent staff.

Sanctuary offer career pathway development plans, CPD, appraisals, training, online payroll, a dedicated consultant and a range of other services that have won a clutch of recruitment industry awards.

What to do now

Call Sanctuary on 0333 7000 021 to discuss your options and a consultant will support and guide you through the registration process and make it as straightforward as possible. Alternatively, register with us today. We will come to meet you face-to-face or book an appointment at one of our offices so the compliance process can be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible so you can be out working as soon as possible.